The Cougar's Byte

Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: Campus Life

If you missed out on the celebrations of KU's 2007 Homecoming weekend you missed a lot! The evening of Saturday, October 20 was reserved for the Homecoming Concert featuring the band Cartel. Comedian "Big" J warmed up the crowd with a variety of jokes leaving the audience in stitches. You can catch Big J's act on Comedy Central and on the new IFC series "2 Rock." After Big J finished, The High Court, a New Jersey born rock band played four songs from their latest CD, Puppet Strings.

Click here to view this slideshow

Soon after The High Court finished performing a quick recess took place to set the stage for the most anticipated performance of the evening. When Cartel appeared on the stage, the crowd of Kean students and fans from the area screamed and clapped for their Rock heroes. Right before the concert started, Glen Miller, sophomore and brother of Sigma Theta Chi, stated Cartel spent the afternoon eating and relaxing at the fraternity tailgate party.

Prior to the concert the band's Sales Merchandise Manager , Chuck Rullan, offered an interview. Rullan, who was working the souvenir table at the concert, has been working for Cartel for the past year. He met Cartel after playing at a concert with his previous band Permanent Me. Cartel offered him a job to manage their merchandise and has toured with the band across the U.S. and overseas.

Cartel sang eight songs from their current and previous albums, "Cartel" and "Chroma". Cartel is a CD produced by Wyclef Jean and Jerry " Wonda" Duplesis. "Cartel" sold a quarter-million copies this past year after Chroma which was recorded in a bubble on Pier 54 in New York City.

By definition, a cartel is a group with an agreement to collude in setting prices after production. Joseph Pepper, lead guitarist of the band, chose this name after falling asleep in Economics class. The group started in August of 2003. The band members met during various times in school in Conyers, GA. Drummer Kevin Sanders shared what can be expected from their latest CD. He said "an exploration from the first CD". He also remarked on recording their first album in a bubble. "The experience was crazy, the group's friendship grew and it opened big doors for the band," added Sanders.

Cartel's next performance will be in Hamden, CT and are preparing a tour over seas. They are also working on creating there next album. When asked if we can expect Cartel to come back to Kean Sanders responded with a definite "YES!"

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools